We are headed to San Diego (possibly Del Mar since we haven't finalized our hotel plans just yet) in a few weeks. I always get such great help from this forum and would love some suggestions on places to eat and drink. We're looking for places to get authentic Mexican cuisine and Cal-Mex cuisine, as well as good places for American cuisine or seafood. For reference, we're choosing between Tower23 and L'Auberge del Mar for lodging and aren't looking for any places that are going to break the bank.

The Mission-Mission Beach is famous for breakfast, but we loved our lunch there last month: http://www.themission1.signonsandiego.com/

The place is an original. Casual with great fresh food and friendly service.

HTTY

In terms of taco joints, most of them are authentic as long as they don't look like a chain (Rubio's is the acceptable chain but only for their really tasty fish tacos).

Look for something in an older shopping center with a man's name for a name that ends in an 'o' so Roberto's or similar- bonus points if there's a number after the name. The interior should be a bit dingy and dated (think red and orange booths and terra cotta tiled floor) and as with all ethnic food, it's a good sign if natives are eating there. In general, it's pretty hard to go wrong so close to Mexico- even the marginal places are tasty.

Chuey's or los Quatros Milpas right by the entry to the Coronado Bridge are good.

Also love Tito's Taco Shop on National Ave at 28th St. It looks like a new little chain, but tastes like home cooking.

Lcuy, last I heard the famous Chuey's closed down.

If you are staying in Del Mar or Tower 23-Pacific Beach I would recommend
Kono's Cafe in Pacific Beach (breakfast)
http://www.zagat.com/Verticals/Prope...VID=8&R=123275

La Jolla Mexican http://www.elrancherolajolla.com/la-jolla-links.html

BUT, The Best Mexican in my opinion is a little (like four tables) place called El Sol in North Park (near Park Place not to far from the San Diego Zoo).

http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-sol-mexic...rant-san-diego

The best fish tacos (in the world!) are at El Pescador on Pearl St in La Jolla. It's actually a fish market - the fish is caught and brought in the back door and sold up front. They have a few tables and they are always packed!
http://www.zagat.com/Verticals/Prope...VID=8&R=123263

Ooh, thanks! I forgot about fish tacos - yum! What about some non-taco spots?

Try out Mission...I try to make a stop there every time I visit!

A really popular spot for lunch and breakfast in La Jolla is Pannikin on Girard. Is it is a favorite with the locals and the food is very good. It's a great place to kick back and read a book or the paper too.

Another great place is Claire's on Cedros which is all organic and sustainable - the food is wonderful.
www.clairesoncedros.com

nanabee-Just heard about Claire's recently when I went with some girlfriends for lunch. It was great and I am anxious to go back. Keep in mind that they are only open for breakfast and lunch and close at 3pm each day. After lunching at Claire's you can walk around the shops on Cedros. Fun way to spend a few hours.

Claire's is in Solana Beach which isn't far from Del Mar.

So we've decided on Tower23 and would ideally like places that are in walking distance from the hotel or a short taxi ride. Thanks so much!